Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-07-29
Was She Frivolous?

features. and dark, wavy hair. thrown
back with carless grace from his
smooth brow.
He was Wis ting one Of those wretch
ell tenement houses used By the very
poor. and before him was "A forlorn
group.
A widow who had just buried her
husband; she had five helpless Children
the eldest six, the youngest nursing
baby. and par of twins among them,
!, The rags. and, worse than all, the
dirt of poverty was eve rywhere appar-
emit
An express on of lmost sublime pity
rested on the countenance of the min
lister.
The woman, with her apron thrown
over her head. rocked herself to aud
fro. and walled forth her troubles.
81 don't know what I'm a-goin' to
do for myself and the little 'uns
Though my old man would have his
drink, he didn't beat us. and brought
enough to us to keep body and soul to-
gether, but now | know we can't do
nothin' but starve and die ~
'Have you no friends?' asked Mr..
Shaw in u low voice.
''Some. but Is bad or wuss of than
us. Yes" she said looking up tn a
grateful, br ght expression, there is
one-Lord bless her! who has done a
lot for me-Miss Mehitable Sauks. She
sent medicine and the doctor to the old
man, and guy me clothes and suthin'
to eat; and many's the man. woman
and child that blesses her for taken
care of EN- Why. sir. she even leaves
little cards with stamps on EN-, and
Job Potter who can write, sends EN-
to her when we are in very bad
state"
After assuring her of his sympathy.
and that he would do what he could for
her. the minister wended his way
home. A he thought OF those to
whom he might appeal, a vision of a
bright face haunted him. but while he
fingered over the thought most tende T.
ly there was shadow on MS brow as
If there was some slight jar that marred
the harmony of his thoughts.
Mr.. Shaw was the rector of one of
the wealthy churches of the CITY, and
Mabel Lee was one of the parishio ners.
Her face was Madonna-like in it, tender
curves and beauty the large blue eyes
with just tingc of sadness, the perfect
curve of the red lips. the fan itless com
plexion, and blonda hair that was like
halo of light round the graceful hea q.
But all, when she talked II was like
damper, a mist on beautiful picture,
marring the tints that would otherwise
have been perfect.
\ Bright and witty, but butterfly;
Such devotee to society that one
longed for the expression of a single
serious thought that could leaven into
someth ne like common sense this per-
soniication of frivolity. w tn it all,
however. she was lovely and lovable to
every one, and Mr.. Shaw hal long
struggled against an interest in her.
the indulgence of which he felt won Id
be fatal to his future happiness and
usefulness.
Absorbed in these thoughts, he found
himself in front of Mr.. Lees house,
and, obeying an impulse. he turned
in at the gate and was admitted.
As Miss Lee entered the parlor he
thought he had seldom seen fairer
vision. and was vexed TO feel his heart
throb more quickly. and thrill with a
pleasure that he felt must be controlled.
She greeted him with that easy grace
which was one of her principal charms.
"Ah, Mr.. Shaw! am so glad to
see you | had real spell of ennui
this morning. This last novel is wretch
ed, as both hero and heroine die in the
most provoking WAY, all because of
some overs rained idea of duty, and
was Just wishing that some one would
come in. AMI l could have cheerful
little chat to dispel the gloom impress
sion"
"Then I'm afraid" smillingly, lyon
ii hOb hNC gOu' ptNSShe N'SibVA'
have not come in II very cheerful hum
or; and. besides, l W sh to AK favor.
"A favor! That is too lovely. Con-
slider it granted. even to the half of my
kingdom. am truly glad that you
wish to ask favor of me, because ! d d
not think your opin on of M was suf-
6cently good for suci thing. ID you
know" with a sudden drop OF the eyes.
''that you ALWAYS make me feel as # |
were doing something wrong"
''Do 1? Well, | shall give you
golden opportunity now to redeem
yourself. | have just been Wis ting
some of those wretchcdly poor fam Les
in - street, and | would like so
much if you could interest some ladies
In their beh,tlf-visit them and relieve
them